Cars | Motoring

Alfa Romeo bucks sales trend

Against a backdrop of falling new car sales in Britain, and a UK market 28.5 per cent down on 2008 year-to-date, Italian sporting car manufacturer, Alfa Romeo, is bucking the trend by posting buoyant sales results in the past two consecutive months.

Aston Martin Works Service to host annual Bonhams auction

On Saturday 9th May 2009, Aston Martin Works Service will once again host Bonhams' annual Auction of Aston Martin motor cars and related automobilia. Bonhams is one of the world's leading automotive auction specialists, and 2009 marks the tenth anniversary of this hugely successful and highly popular sale.

Audi well prepared for start to DTM season

The waiting is over: After exactly 203 race-free days, the lights starting the most popular international touring car racing series will switch from red to green for the first time again on Sunday, May 17, 2009, at exactly 2:03 pm (local time). It will be the 100th race in the history of the "new" DTM – and the beginning of an ambitious task: In the year of its 100th anniversary Audi wants to become the first automobile manufacturer to win the prestigious DTM title for the third time in a row.

Bentley Drivers Club enjoy unforgettable day at Salisbury Cathedral

Salisbury Cathedral welcomed sixty members from the Mid-West Region of the Bentley Drivers Club with their thirty Bentley cars, models dating from the 1920s to 1990s, for a special day out in April.

BMW Group: First-quarter EBIT of minus euro 55 million

The BMW Group asserted its position in the first quarter 2009 despite the weak state of the sales markets brought about by the global financial and economic crisis. “We have continued our forward-looking finance and cost management strategies with great determination during the opening quarter of the year”, stated Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG on Wednesday in Munich. “In view of the difficult conditions still prevailing on the financial markets, we remain focused in our efforts to improve our liquidity position”, continued Reithofer. Strengthening the liquidity base creates manoeuvring room and ensures that the BMW Group will be able to continue its policy of investing in the future.

Blistering CTS-V launches into the UK

The all-new CTS-V ‘supersaloon’ – the most powerful Cadillac ever – is available from February 2009 and will be priced from £56,495 on-the-road (£58,995 for the automatic transmission model).

Metro partners Caterham Academy

Caterham Cars is excited to announce Metro newspaper as title sponsor of the 2009 Caterham Academy.

The £4,295 Chevrolet Matiz… all you need is an old car!

If you’re currently driving around in a 10-year old car, then chances are you’re thinking of replacing it soon with a more modern model.

Test drive a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge and win a holiday to Florida

Chrysler UK Ltd is boldly offering all Star Trek fans and visitors to Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge showrooms the opportunity to win a holiday to Florida and train as an astronaut.

Citroen C1 ev’ie to be featured in Green Motion’s fleet line-up

Green Motion, the world’s first and only low CO2 car and van hire company announced, following the official launch of the Citroen C1 ev’ie all electric car, its intention to feature the vehicle within its fleet line-up.

Daihatsu appoints new dealer - Alexandra Cars

Daihatsu’s plan to increase dealer development continues to move forward with the appointment of Alexandra Cars, Newcastle Upon Tyne.

Staddlestones joins forces with Daihatsu

Japanese compact car specialist Daihatsu has increased its dealer network representation in the Isle of Wight with the appointment of Staddlestones garage.

DaimlerChrysler teams up with autogreen

DaimlerChrysler UK has announced its End of Life Vehicles (ELV) Directive plans by teaming up with Authorised Treatment Facility (ATF) services partner autogreen.

Dodge Circuit EV

The Dodge Circuit EV displays bold exterior and interior styling with outstanding performance, zero gasoline consumption and zero tailpipe emissions.

Official grand opening of first UK Ferrari store

Ferrari Formula One driver Kimi Räikkönen today officially opened the UK’s first Ferrari Store at 193-197 Regent Street in the very heart of London. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was hosted by Räikkönen and Dany Bahar, Ferrari Senior Vice President, Direzione Commerciale & Brand. The Ferrari driver then performed the now-traditional signing of the store counter after which there was a special reception for a select group of guests and Ferrari Owners. The day also featured a spectacular display of both new and classic Ferraris which, having first called to the Store, parked on Conduit Street for all to admire.

A new Panda for £4995 as Fiat joins scrappage scheme

Fiat has confirmed that it intends to take part in the new scrappage scheme programme, announced by Chancellor Alastair Darling in last week’s Budget.

Ford's April sales lift share further

Ford's share of last month's car market increased by 3.9 percentage points, compared with April 2008, providing the blue oval brand with a market-leading 18.4 per cent of registrations according to industry figures.

Honda teams up with Science Museum to showcase Insight

Honda’s all-new Insight is being put to work by the Science Museum. The more affordable hybrid car will be an example of environmental technology used by the museum on a daily basis as part of a drive to improve the museum’s energy efficiency.

Wild West ‘Hummer’ artwork unveiled at Zoo Art Fair 2008

Artist Matthew Harrison today unveils his latest project entitled ‘Hummer’ at the fifth Zoo Art Fair (17-20 October) - a HUMMER H3 complete with wooden wagon wheels, the iconic installation will be parked on Old Burlington Road, opposite the Royal Academy of Arts for the duration of the fair.

Hyundai orders up 400 percent in week after scrappage

Industry experts who are wondering what effect scrappage will have on car sales might want to use Hyundai as a barometer. In the first week after the announcement, enquiries at the company’s dealerships are up 400 percent, with buyers clamouring to make sure they can secure cars before stocks – or the government money – run out.

Infiniti Essence: The magnification of “inspired performance”

The essence of the Infiniti brand distilled into one car and then taken to the extremes to satisfy the world’s most demanding car enthusiasts … this is the Infiniti Essence.

Apex Motorsport: Silverstone

The Apex GT3 Jaguar kicked off the 2009 Season of the FIA GT3 European Championships at Silverstone circuit with drivers Bradley Ellis and Chris Dymond.

Kia plays its part in New Car Code

With an industry-leading seven year warranty on its European-built cars Kia Motors is playing its full part in the motor industry’s self-regulation scheme known as The Motor Industry Code of Practice for New Cars.

Lightweight Zircotec coating for Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce

Automobili Lamborghini has selected automotive coating specialist Zircotec to supply a high performance thermal barrier for the lightweight Murciélago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce. The ceramic based thermal coating is applied to the exhaust system and reduces the need for heat shields while allowing heat sensitive lightweight materials to be used in close proximity to the exhaust pipe. Zircotec’s Thermohold technology also protects other heat sensitive components from damage.

UK debut for Land Rover's latest range at London Motorexpo

The new 2010 Range Rover, the 2010 Range Rover Sport and Discovery 4, recently launched to the world at the New York International Auto show, will all be showcased for the first time in the UK at the 2009 Motorexpo – set in the business district of Canary Wharf – from June 8-14, 2009.

Lexus cuts driver distraction with new Head-Up Display

Lexus targeted an advanced, yet user-friendly design for the cockpit of the new RX 450h with a focus on making key vehicle data and controls easy to access with minimum driver distraction. A key element in Lexus’s innovative approach is the new Head-Up Display (HUD), which projects essential information on to the base of the windscreen, within the driver’s field of vision.

Maserati Quattroporte for Centurion special series

Maserati GB and American Express Centurion are delighted to announce the arrival of the new Maserati Quattroporte for Centurion special series. Officially unveiled at Forbes House, in London’s Belgravia in front of an exclusive audience of American Express black card holders, the Pininfarina designed luxury saloon was received with great enthusiasm.

Customer satisfaction key to Mazda sales success

Customer satisfaction is crucial to new car sales success and that is why Mazda UK is a long-time supporter of the successful and now newly-branded Motor Industry Code of Practice for New Cars.

Customers can buy world’s cleanest cabrio with scrappage scheme

Following Chancellor Darling’s recent announcement of a UK vehicle scrappage scheme, Mercedes-Benz UK has announced its participation, and the world’s lowest-emission cabrio leads the way.

Genuine parts still available for MG Rover cars

MG Rover owners still have access to genuine parts and affordable, specialist servicing as XPart continues to ensure the ongoing supply of MG Rover parts four years after the closure of the MG Rover factory. By working closely with new owners of the MG Rover brand, the Nanjing Automobile Corporation (NAC), XPart has achieved a smooth supply of parts manufactured from the original MG Rover tooling at the NAC MG factory in Nanjing, China, and has also maintained supply agreements with original MG Rover parts suppliers, allowing its nationwide network of MG Rover wholesalers and AutoService centres to offer high quality parts and servicing to the UK’s one million MG Rover owners.

50 Years of MINI production at Plant Oxford

For the first time in half a century that very car is returning to its birthplace for a celebration of 50 years of production. The Mini Minor, finished in Old English White and carrying the registration number 621 AOK, is at Plant Oxford for the day to mark its birthday in style.

Mitsubishi production, sales and exports down

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has announced global production, as well as domestic sales and export figures for January 2009.

Volume boost for Nissan Sunderland Plant

As a result of existing scrappage initiatives operating on the continent, as well as the forthcoming UK scheme beginning later this month, Nissan Sunderland Plant is expecting additional, short-term customer demand for Micra, Note and Qashqai.

Perodua continues to provide low cost solution

Parker’s annual depreciation report proves that Perodua continues to provide great value cars as two of its three models appear in the top ten slowest depreciating cars of 2008.

Peugeot 407 - Impressive economy and extra equipment

The new 407 continues to improve following new features introduced last July on both the 407 Saloon and SW, to its style, robustness and high quality. These combined enhancements to interior comfort and equipment (front parking assistance, new Peugeot Connect (RNEG) navigation and Connect Media (RT5) navigation systems) included the arrival of the latest 2.0-litre HDi FAP Euro 5 specification engine, capable of 50.4mpg, 150g/km of CO2 with power increased to 140bhp. Latest versions of 407 now benefit from a multitude of further technical developments - all designed to enhance the overall driving enjoyment - that include a revised 1.6-litre HDi 110bhp engine with a Combined fuel economy of 57.6mpg with CO2 emissions of 129g/km.

Cayenne range extended by new diesel engine and hybrid drive

The Porsche Cayenne is one of the success stories of the automotive world. To date, over a quarter of a million examples have been sold since its launch six years ago. In the last financial year 2007/08, 45,478 examples of the Cayenne were sold around the world – more than ever before in a 12 month period.

Great value at a budget price from Proton this Spring

Whilst other manufacturers are increasing their prices in this challenging economic situation, Proton continue to focus on giving its customers a great deal more for their money. Value for money brands are back, and starting at just £7,495 on the road, the Proton range offers customers a surprisingly high level of specification at a budget price.

Renault announces new Kangoo pricing

Continuing Renault’s relentless product offensive, the latest new model to join the company’s ever-growing range is New Kangoo, priced from £11,200 on-the-road.

Rolls-Royce names RR4

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has announced the name for its new model series which until now has been known as RR4. The name was announced by CEO, Tom Purves at a press conference held at the Shanghai motor show.

New 9-3X storms UK crossover sector with sub-£25k entry price

Competitive pricing has never been more topical, and the good news for Saab customers is the much-awaited new 9-3X has stormed the crossover sector with an entry price of just £24,995 for the 1.9TTiD model.

Stunning Seat Ibiza Bocanegra is ready for the road

SEAT is wowing the crowds at this week’s Barcelona International Motor Show with the debut of a road-ready version of its stunning Ibiza Bocanegra.

Skoda has great news for scrappage customers

Skoda, the manufacturer of happy drivers, is helping customers to make one last journey in their qualifying ten-year old cars, with some of the most competitive offers in the industry. Skoda, the UK’s top car brand, has confirmed its participation in the government’s scrappage scheme. It might be an emotional journey to trade in an old car, but low on-the-road prices and very attractive finance offers on vehicles across the Skoda range will make it easier to say goodbye.

Three cheers for smart

The smart fortwo edition “limited three” is being premiered at the current Geneva Motor Show and can be ordered in coupé and cabrio body styles at the UK’s smart retailers now.

With a tachograph, it works for you

Any new vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of over 3.5 tonnes used for hire or reward, must be fitted with an approved and calibrated digital tachograph. Trouble is, there are many cars and light commercial vehicles that can’t be used for business towing a trailer, because they can’t be fitted with a tachograph.

Subaru and Isuzu appoint new dealer (Derek Slack Motors Ltd)

Subaru and Isuzu’s plan to increase dealer development continues to move forward with the appointment of Derek Slack Motors Ltd, Middlesbrough.

Suzuki supports Fire Fighters Charity

On Sunday 17 May 2009 Suzuki GB will be at Hullavington Airfield, near Chippenham in Wiltshire supporting the Ladies Driving Challenge at the Fire Fighters Charity event. The event is part of the 50th anniversary of Swindon Fire Station and will provide ladies and their families and friends with a fun filled day of driving a wide variety of vehicles.

Lower emissions yield savings for Land Cruiser owners

Toyota has achieved a significant reduction in exhaust emissions from its legendary Land Cruiser, cutting its tax liability and strengthening its cost of ownership profile.

£2K bangers for cash tops Vauxhall’s summer deal bonanza

Vauxhall gave its wholehearted support today to the Government’s Scrappage Programme, and confirmed that it would roll out the £2,000 discount across its full range of car and commercial vehicles, while maintaining all its existing finance offers – and some additional discounts, too.

Sights set on integrated automotive group

Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft welcomes the decision by representatives of the Porsche und Piëch family shareholders to create an integrated automotive group in which each of the ten brands will retain its independence.

Hay fever relief from Volvo

Volvo is offering relief to millions of hay fever sufferers facing another summer of streaming eyes and sudden sneezes by providing a cabin of safe haven. All new Volvo models are fitted as standard with pollen filters and cabin air quality monitoring systems to create the healthiest passenger environment possible.